Angelenos of all stripes are uniting their diverse northeast Los Angeles neighborhood to demand justice and defend Benjamin Marcelo Guerrero-Cruz. The 18-year-old was arrested by masked ICE agents as he was just walking his dog. The tragedy occurred just days before he was set to begin his senior year at Reseda Charter High School. It raised the alarm on a national scale as to the dubious conditions many immigrants are exposed to in these detention prisons.
Guerrero-Cruz’s family refers to the detainment as a “kidnapping,” describing the emotional and psychological effects that it has had on their family. They sought to humanize him as a devoted son, caring brother, and loyal friend. His family has been campaigning for his release and speaking out against the arresting ICE agents’ behavior toward him.
According to these reports, Guerrero-Cruz is now at the Adelanto detention center. Advocates and community members alike were shocked to hear what transpired in there. Conditions inside detainee, including Guerrero-Cruz’s, reportedly deny detainees access to clean clothes or towels for days on end. In addition to this, they are denied more than one meal and one glass of water a day.
The facility has been previously characterized as a “choking point,” with not enough space for detainees to sit and lie flat at the same time. Guerrero-Cruz as well as dozens of other men are currently still detained under these inhumane conditions.
“Immigration enforcement in our schools is a cruel and politically-motivated tactic that disrupts learning,” added Alberto M. Carvalho. “It generates stress that doesn’t go away when the school bell rings, crippling students’ ability to learn and succeed.”
In light of the situation, Los Angeles Unified School District has stated its commitment to ensuring that schools remain safe and supportive environments for all children, regardless of immigration status. The district used the opportunity to highlight their commitment to school safety. Schools should be inclusive and nurturing environments for all children and families, regardless of immigration status, they argued.
Other soccer players, who knew Guerrero-Cruz as an energetic and passionate teammate, lamented the news of his detention. It is devastating to lose him in this way. We are going to miss him not only as our star player but even more so, as our friend,” they added.
The Department of Homeland Security has admitted that Guerrero-Cruz is currently being held in detention awaiting his removal from the United States. His family continues to advocate for his release. To them he is more than just a student, he’s an integral member of their community.
“He is more than just a student – he is a devoted son, a caring brother, a loyal friend, and a valued member of our community.” – Guerrero-Cruz’s family
As the community continues to be outraged, they understand the treatment of Guerrero-Cruz or those like her should never happen. Advocates are calling for changes to practices by immigration enforcement officials.